A Comprehensive Guide on Moving to Ireland

Jump right in:

• Visa types & work permit requirements
• Relocating your household goods and pets
• Finding a new home in Ireland
• Work and job opportunities in Ireland
• Health insurance & healthcare in Ireland
• What life is like living in Ireland
• Understanding the Irish education system
• Opening a bank account and managing your taxes

If you’re moving to Ireland from outside the EU, you’ll need to know how to get an Irish work visa or permit. EU nationals don’t need a visa in order to work in Ireland, but they will need to prove their financial stability after three months of living in the country.

Whether you’re an inter-company transfer, self-employed, or searching for an opportunity with an Irish employer, we go over the important information you need. Our guide walks you through Ireland’s visa requirements as well as the different visa types you can apply for and the visa costs. A simple six-month work permit will cost around 500 EUR (approx. 580 USD); a two-year permit is 1,000 EUR (approx. 1,160 USD).

If you work in a lab, as an engineer, in IT, or in the healthcare sector, there's good news. Expats who work in these professions are especially sought after because these jobs are currently facing shortages in Ireland. Find out how to apply for a “Critical Skills Employment Permit” in this guide.

Keep in mind that those interested in permanent residency in Ireland will need to live and work in the country for a minimum of five years. Once this happens, even non-EU nationals will be permitted to stay in Ireland regardless of whether or not they have a job in the country.

Read our complete guide on visas & work permits in Ireland

Moving to Ireland is fairly easy. Whether you need to know about shipping and storing your household goods or what it’s like to move to Ireland with pets, we cover it all.

There are no specific vaccinations required to move to Ireland from other countries other than the general routine shots such as tetanus, polio, and MMR (measles, mumps, rubella). For pets, rabies shots are a requirement and vary slightly depending on what country your pet is being imported from.

Even without a pet, international moves can be stressful. You have to make sure that you have all of the correct forms and have taken all the necessary steps. Otherwise you might face hassles at the customs office and may not be able to retrieve your goods, or even worse, find yourself (or your pet) denied an entry visa.

Read our complete guide on relocating to Ireland

Expats should expect to take one month to find the perfect home as housing is limited. With a competitive housing market comes a fairly high average rent. Throughout Ireland, it’s hard to find a place for less than 1,000 EUR (approx. 1,100 USD) per month — especially in the capital, Dublin. Expats who are interested in saving money should look for different types of houses out in the countryside or, if in the city, away from public transport stops.

Do you want to know how to buy a house in Ireland as a foreigner? Our guide includes a step-by-step process of how to search for housing in Ireland and then make an offer on your dream Irish home. Like renting, average house prices are also high, but expats interested in living in Ireland long-term may find it more cost efficient in the long run. Our housing guide also explains how to rent a house in Ireland and even how to set up and pay for utilities.

Read our complete guide on housing in Ireland

Ireland offers strong opportunities for expats, especially in technology, finance, healthcare, and engineering. EU/EEA nationals can work freely, while non-EU nationals need work permits. Check the Critical Skills Occupations List for in-demand roles.

The current minimum wage is 13.50 EUR (approx. 16 USD) per hour, with an average salary around 52,800 EUR (approx. 62,000 USD) annually, though Dublin requires 55,000–65,000 EUR for comfortable living. Freelancing is accessible: EU/EEA citizens can start immediately, while others need immigration permission.

Irish workplace culture is hierarchical yet casual with informal meetings at cafés or pubs being common. You’ll need a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) for employment and benefits. These include 26 weeks of paid maternity leave (289 EUR/week), two weeks of paternity leave, unpaid parental leave, and access to social welfare schemes like jobseeker's benefit, illness benefit, and the state pension through PRSI contributions.

Read our complete guide on working in Ireland

The healthcare system in Ireland is universal, but this doesn’t mean it’s free for everyone. Expats have the same access to public health insurance in Ireland as nationals do, and they’re eligible for the public health scheme immediately upon landing in the country. Note that the public system is only fully free for Medical Card holders. Why? Find out in our guide on health and healthcare in the Emerald Isle.

In addition to this, we also give insight on the differences between public and private insurance, how to find a doctor, and the benefits of giving birth in Ireland. Read on to learn more and ensure you and your family are fully prepared to stay safe and healthy in your new Irish home.

Read our complete guide on insurance & healthcare in Ireland

Living in Ireland comes with high living costs, especially in cities like Dublin and Cork, where it ranks as the second most expensive EU country. Understanding Irish culture is essential — expect plenty of humor, quick-witted banter, and the tradition of buying drinks in rounds.

Getting a driver’s license depends on where you’re from. If you hold a license from an EU/EEA country or one of Ireland’s exchange partners (including Australia, Japan, South Korea, and others), you can exchange it for an Irish license. Otherwise, you’ll need to complete the full licensing process, which can take six months or more. Also note that public transport is excellent and convenient, with buses, trains, Dublin’s LUAS tram, and DART rail all accessible via the Leap Card system, making car ownership optional for many residents.

Read our complete guide on living in Ireland

Ireland’s education system is straightforward, with compulsory schooling from ages 6 to 16, though most children start earlier in preschool. One unique aspect is that all students learn both English and Irish, though children born outside Ireland can apply for an exemption from Irish lessons.

The school year runs from September to June, and Ireland uses “class” and “year” instead of “grade”. The state-funded ECCE scheme provides 15 hours of free preschool weekly for children aged 2 years 8 months old to 5 or 6 at participating nurseries, Montessori groups, or playschools.

Public primary and secondary education is free — parents only pay for uniforms, lunches, and materials. Many schools are church-managed but open to all. Another type of school you might encounter are Gaelscoileanna, state-funded schools that teach entirely in Irish to foster bilingualism.

There are also international schools, mostly in and around Dublin, that offer curricula like the International Baccalaureate.

For more details, read our complete guide on education in Ireland.

Opening a bank account is simple. Most banks just require proof of identity (passport or driver’s license) and proof of address. If you’re not yet a resident, bring utility bills or bank statements from your previous address. Most banks don’t charge opening fees, though some have monthly maintenance charges. You have a wide array of choices from traditional banks like Bank of Ireland and AIB to international options like HSBC and Citi, or digital banks like Revolut and Wise that operate entirely online.

Ireland’s tax system is progressive: you’re a resident if you’ve lived there 183 days in one year or 280 days over two years. Ireland has tax treaties with over 70 countries to avoid double taxation, and you’ll benefit from various tax credits including Personal, Employee, and Rent Tax Credits that reduce your overall tax bill.

Read our complete guide on banking & taxes in Ireland